UN Investigates Alleged War Crimes during Hostage Rescue Mission

Middle Eastern Region - UN Investigates Alleged War Crimes during Hostage Rescue Mission

The United Nations Human Rights Office expresses concern over potential war crimes committed during Israel's attempt to free four hostages in Gaza, due to a high number of Palestinian casualties.

The Geneva-based office expressed its shock regarding the consequences of the Israeli military's operation in the Nuseirat area on the civilian population. Experts question whether international humanitarian law was followed. "It was disastrous how this operation unfolded, as civilians were directly involved," stated the Human Rights Office's spokesperson, Jeremy Laurence.

Possibility of war crimes by Palestinians

There could also be war crimes committed by the Palestinians during this event. This includes kidnapping hostages in densely populated areas, which perilously endangers both the hostages and Palestinian civilians. Only courts can make a final decision on these alleged war crimes, according to Laurence.

One of the hostages revealed she had experienced multiple relocations during her 240-day captivity and was residing with a family when she was freed. This breaches international humanitarian law, said Laurence, but these principles need to be considered in rescue operations.

4 Israeli hostages held in Gaza were released following a terrorist attack, which occurred on October 7, 2023. According to reports, over 270 people were killed, as per the Gaza Strip's health authorities controlled by Hamas. There was suspicion that Israeli soldiers concealed themselves within a relief goods truck while conducting the rescue; however, the spokesperson declined to comment as the office had no first-hand knowledge.

Essential principles in international humanitarian law

The focus lies on three principles required by international humanitarian law during armed conflicts:

1. The distinction principle: parties involved in the conflict should perpetually differentiate between the civilian population and civilian assets, as well as military and military facilities.
2. The necessity principle: any collateral damage, such as civilian casualties or devastation to civilian infrastructure, should be proportional to the military advantage obtained.
3. The proportionality principle: damages ought to be minimized as much as feasible.

Read also:

1. The United Nations is investigating alleged war crimes committed by both Israel and Palestinians during the hostage rescue operation in the Gaza Strip.
2. The Operation in the Nuseirat area of the Gaza Strip raised concerns over potential war crimes due to the high number of Palestinian casualties.
3. The UN Human Rights Office is particularly interested in examining Israel's adherence to humanitarian law during the hostage rescue mission.
4. The Palestinians may also be accused of war crimes, such as the dangerous kidnapping of hostages in densely populated areas.
5. The UN spokesperson, Jeremy Laurence, emphasized that courts must make the final decision on alleged war crimes, as per international standards.
6. According to reports, over 270 people were killed during the hostage rescue operation in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
7. Rescue operations must align with international humanitarian law principles, such as distinguishing between civilians and military targets, minimizing collateral damage, and ensuring proportionality, to protect hostages and civilians alike.

• Scholz aims to expel severe offenders.
• Scholz clarifies stance on potential Afghan deportations.
• Year of climate records: extreme is the new normal
• Hamas urges Israel to honor a truce agreement.